BBC reports on dramatic rise in carers aged 65+

Date: Wednesday, July 27th 2011
Categories: All Leicestershire

BBC East Midlands Today reported last night on the dramatic rise in the number of carers aged over 65 in the East Midlands. According to information from this year's Census, there's been a 15% rise in the number of carers aged 65+ in the last 10 years.

Out of 430,000 carers in the East Midlands, 77,000 are aged over 65, whilst 26,000 are aged over 75.

The programme highlighted the case of a carer in Leicestershire who's an amazing 90 years old, who looks after his disabled son, now aged 55.

Carers UK told the BBC they're worried that the funding cuts will mean less support for carers in the coming months - especially older carers who may have health problems themselves.

If you're an older carer please feel free to get in touch with us to share your experiences and tell us about the issues you face and we'll do our very best to help you of course.

Watch BBC East Midlands Today on BBC iplayer (please note the report on caring is about four minutes into the programme)